On January 6, 1991, a Champion 7ECA (registration N996MP) operated by James N. Burdeaux was involved in an aviation accident near Hilo, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT STEEP AND ABRUPT MANEUVERS DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB PHASE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an aircraft initiate a steep climb after liftoff, then roll into a steep right turn, stall, and enter a spin. The pilot attempted recovery but did not regain level flight before impacting the ground.
Accident
On departure, the aircraft initiated a steep climb after liftoff. As it crossed midfield, it appeared to roll into a steep right turn. Witnesses then observed the aircraft stall and abruptly roll to the left over the top, entering a spin. The pilot initiated a recovery from the spin but was unable to regain level flight before the aircraft collided with the ground in an airport ramp area.
Witness Reports
Several ground witnesses on the airport reported the sequence of events. They noted that the aircraft seemed to stall and abruptly roll left over the top into a spin entry. The aircraft was observed attempting a recovery but did not achieve level flight prior to impact.
ATC Communication
The Hilo ATCT reported that the pilot had requested a right turn out on departure to proceed to the local practice area.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA airworthiness inspector from the Honolulu FSDO examined the aircraft. The inspector found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the engine or aircraft control system.